Running The 4-h Old Mulkey Classic

A great way to get fit and take in the beautiful rolling hills of Monroe County is to attend the 5th Annual 4-H Old Mulkey Classic on Saturday, October 23, in Tompkinsville.

“It’s a marathon, half marathon, and 10K all in one, and there are only a couple of marathons held in the state. Ours is USATF-certified, to help runners qualify for the famous Boston Marathon,” says race director Charolette Arnett.

Although the event attracts mostly out-of-state runners who come to earn points for the 50 States Marathon Club (those who run 50 marathons in 50 states) or to help them qualify for the Boston, Arnett is working to make the race known to more Kentucky runners. There are categories for men and women, with trophies awarded and all finishers receiving a medallion.

Many come for the down-home hospitality. The entire community gets involved by dressing up in costumes, providing music, and making personalized signs for each runner to encourage them along the route. Runners and their families are treated to a free pasta dinner the night before the race, and all finishers will receive a free massage after the race.

“It is a very challenging course through the scenic and rolling hills,” says Arnett, “where runners will see turkeys, peacocks, and cows along the route.”

Runners registered by October 13 are guaranteed a free T-shirt, but anyone can register right up to the morning of the race at 6:15 a.m. at the Monroe County Middle School for the 7 a.m. race.

Entry fees range from $20-$45, depending upon which race you are entering and the deadline date you send in your form. All proceeds benefit the Monroe County 4-H Council. For more information, call (270) 487-5504, or go on the Web to www.4Holdmulkeyclassic.com for an entry form and more details.